by Phill Butler | Collaborate-Implement-Operations, Collaborate-Learn-Getting-Started
by Phil Butler with John Becker Imagine that your partnership or network has now been launched. The group of people who came together have agreed to on-going collaboration. They have agreed they are more likely to achieve the primary objective by working...
by Phill Butler | Collaborate-Implement-Operations, Collaborate-Plan-Curriculum, Media & Communications
Global Kingdom Intellectual Capital – Worth Saving? It was a steamy, late nineteenth century day and noise on the docks in Bombay was deafening. Shouts of stevedores mixing with the cry of local vendors and the screech of overburdened block and tackle. Two British...
by Phill Butler | Collaborate-Implement-Operations, Collaborate-Learn-Essentials
Reality Check It had already been a long day. A dozen ministries were discussing their partnership to share Christ with young, aspiring Muslims in the region. Some agencies were large and their contribution to the partnership reflected their size. There were...
by Phill Butler | Collaborate-Implement-Operations, Collaborate-Learn-Essentials
Essential Idea God designed men and women to live in harmony, in open, healthy relationships — whether in families or communities. God’s design is based on His own nature. Adam and Eve’s tragic decision in Genesis destroyed transparency, trust,...
by Phill Butler | Collaborate-Implement-Operations, Collaborate-Learn-Getting-Started
1. Why is collaboration so important but so rare? Satan actively seeks to keep believers from working together Partnerships and networks take time and a conscious, focused effort. Most people are completely taken up with their own organization’s programs and...
by Phill Butler | Collaborate-Implement-Operations, Collaborate-Learn-Why
My background is in business, then many years in international broadcasting, and the last 40+ years helping God’s people work together in ministry partnerships. Over the years it is clear that there are a range of factors and motives that compel a focus on...
by Phill Butler | Collaborate-Evaluate, Collaborate-Implement-Operations, Collaborate-Plan-Curriculum
We were originally designed to live in open, transparent, trusting relationships (Genesis 2-3). Because of that, partnership/network is based on God’s character, it’s not an idea invented in business. It is a visible manifestation of the heart of the Good News –...
by Phill Butler | Collaborate-Implement-Operations
Definition of networks: Any group of individuals or organizations, sharing a common interest, who regularly communicate with each other to enhance their individual purposes. Note the key phrases — common interest regularly communicate individual purposes....
by Phill Butler | Collaborate-Implement-Operations
Stage 1: Exploration Activities: Research/network/Identify key players/participants Individual private meetings Communications: face to face, telephone, correspondence, fax, etc. Identify agendas, histories, dreams/vision, potential natural points of conection...
by Phill Butler | Collaborate-Implement-Operations
This article is part of a series on major issues that leaders may encounter in the life cycle of mission networks and partnerships. This article highlights what to do after the Formation meeting. Imagine that your Partnership has been launched. The group of people who...
by Phill Butler | Collaborate-Implement-Operations
This article is part of a series on major issues that leaders may encounter in the lifecycle of mission networks and partnerships. This article outlines various types of structures depending on the complexity and level of member involvement necessary to achieve your...
by Phill Butler | Collaborate-Implement-Operations
What This Article Covers Collaboration resources for seminary leaders and their faculty What are funders saying about the importance of collaboration in higher ed A brief look at the Biblical basis for Kingdom collaboration. A case history of one seminary’s...
by Phill Butler | Collaborate-Implement-Operations
Core Idea Are you building a street-side food stand or a skyscraper? Trying to get neighbors together to reach the kids in your neighborhood or twenty ministries to reach a major people group? Do you need dues, membership fees, or can you realize the dream on...
by Phill Butler | Collaborate-Implement-Operations
This article covers the issue of funding and outlines 4 major categories of costs in typical partnerships as well as a 5-step process for developing a funding strategy. All mission networks and partnerships need resources to accomplish their shared goals. In many...
by Phill Butler | Collaborate-Implement-Operations
What do Facilitators do? You are a guide. The group you are facilitating is looking for you to lead them down the discussion road. You must help them assess needs and help them create plans to meet them. You guide (not direct or lead) the discussion and keep the...
by Phill Butler | Collaborate-Implement-Operations
Part of a series on major issues that leaders may encounter in the life cycle of mission networks, this article explores the vital role and skills of the network facilitator. Collaborative partnerships do not spontaneously form on their own. Neither do they run...
by Phill Butler | Collaborate-Implement-Operations, Media & Communications
This article is part of a series on major issues that leaders may encounter in the lifecycle of mission networks and partnerships. This article highlights the importance of communication to four key groups of stakeholders in every partnership. Effective...
by Phill Butler | Collaborate-Evaluate, Collaborate-Implement-Operations, Collaborate-Learn-Essentials
The way we work together in networks or partnerships is as important as what we do. Jesus defining word to us in John 17:21-23 reflects His commitment to restored relationships. Our networks or partnerships are wonderful opportunities to demonstrate the love and...
by Phill Butler | Collaborate-Implement-Operations, Collaborate-Learn-Essentials, Collaborate-Plan-Missions, Media & Communications
What Follows What? The level of engagement (and stability, sustainability) is a function of perceived value of the network by primary stakeholders; Perceived value of the network is a function of network’s activities and outcomes and their correlation with my or my...
by Phill Butler | Collaborate-Implement-Operations, Collaborate-Plan-Curriculum
Collaborative partnerships/networks do not spontaneously come to life. Neither do they continue to function effectively all by themselves. It takes tremendous dedication not only to launch a collaborative initiative, but even more so to lead one. When a collaborative...
by Phill Butler | Collaborate-Implement-Operations, Media & Communications
Effective communication is a critical goal in the Operation Phase of a collaborative partnership. A partnership Facilitator cannot allow the partnership to go “dark” and “quiet” – even if good work is being accomplished. Perceptions are important, and...
by Phill Butler | Collaborate-Implement-Operations
This article is part of a series on major issues that leaders may encounter in the life cycle of mission networks and partnerships. This article looks at how to manage change in the network or partnership context. Operational Issues In Partnerships: Change We...
by Phill Butler | Collaborate-Implement-Operations
This article is part of a series on major issues that leaders may encounter in the lifecycle of mission networks and partnerships. This article discusses how to organize for action and see tangible progress towards your agreed upon goals using working groups. ...
by Phill Butler | Collaborate-Implement-Operations
The Facilitator’s Challenge Partnership consultations or network meetings present a real communications and facilitation challenge for the facilitator and the participants. Facilitators often struggle with how to increase a sense of trust, develop consensus, encourage...
by Phill Butler | Collaborate-Evaluate, Collaborate-Implement-Operations
A network or partnership is only as effective as its Leadership Team. So, this questionnaire is designed to help you take a detailed look at the health and effectiveness of your Team. (May be Facilitation Team, Steering Committee, etc.). The tool is designed to help...
